Small Handguns for Concealed Carry

Ruger LCR 38 Special

The Ruger LCR was introduced several years ago and has made quite a splash in
the small revolver arena. After getting mine, I immediately dressed it up
with a set of Crimson Trace Lasergrips. I had been waiting for the LCR for
quite a while and had this one earmarked for either a backup gun or deep cover
use. Either use would support the decision to go with the laser grips and
so it was a done deal. The factory sights on the LCR are as basic as you
can get. While the front sight is pinned in place and therefore
replaceable, the rear sight is a groove that is machine into the top of the
revolver's frame. I'm not a fan of this sight format and so the CT Lasergrips were a welcome addition to the LCR. I currently have the
laser adjusted for a 7 yard zero. For more info about them, checkout my
Crimson Trace Lasergrip installation.
This was my first foray into any kind of laser sight and I've been very
satisfied with the results.

The Ruger LCR does not have an exposed hammer and so one cannot manually
cocked with a thumb like so many traditional revolvers. As such, it too
is a DAO handgun just like the PM9, which means that every time the trigger is
pulled, it will first cock the LCR hammer before releasing it. Why build a
revolver in this manner? With the hammer being shrouded, it is impossible
to snag it when coming out of a pants or coat pocket, a common place for a snub
nose to be carried. This provides the owner with a more reliable draw from
concealment.

Speaking of hammers, it takes 9 pounds, 12 ounces of force on the trigger to
fully cock the hammer and release it on the LCR. The rigger is smooth and
by that I mean it doesn't catch, creep, or have issues as it is pulled through
its range of travel. That being said, note that it takes over 4 pounds of
additional force to pull the LCR trigger when compared to the PM9's. That
is a significant amount, in my opinion, but some folks do prefer it. Most folks agree that the harder
the trigger, the more difficult it is to accurately put the bullet exactly where
you want it. Many folks also say that a snub nose revolver is often used
at arms length so a heavier trigger at that distance will make little
difference. I'll agree it won't make much difference at 3 feet but I
won't promote the idea that it usually only gets used at that distance.
Nobody has a crystal ball and betting on the odds when your life is at risk is
rediculous, in my opinion.
Accurately shooting a snubby at distance is going to require more practice and
training than shooting other revolvers. Welcome to the world of small and lightweight handguns.
(Did I mention that already?)

The LCR .38 Special uses an aluminum alloy frame and an integrated low weight
polymer fire control housing. Both of these greatly contribute to the
LCR's low weight. The 5 shot cylinder is made from stainless
steel and is heavily fluted to help keep the ounces down to a minimum.

The LCR arrives in a sturdy cardboard box. While not at all
desirable for transport to and from the range, also in the box was a zippered
soft sided carry case that does the job. It does the job it was intended
to do. In the long run, I believe the
carry case is more useful than that which came with the PM9.

As previously mentioned, a snubby is commonly carried in a pocket. Any
time a handgun resides in a pocket, it is necessary to use a pocket holster, in
my opinion. Doing without one is inviting trouble. This is an
inexpensive DeSantis pocket holster which does an adequate job of covering the
LCR's trigger. It should go without saying that nothing else shares the
same pocket when it is used to carry a handgun. The holster is relatively
wide and straight across the bottom to help it remain properly oriented in an
upright position in the pocket. It also helps to break up the outline of
the LCR in the pocket.

As previously mentioned, my intended use for the LCR was either as a backup gun
or deep cover. Using the LCR for either of those tasks means it's not
likely that a belt holster or an inside the waistband (IWB) holster could be
used. The most common mode of carry I use for the LCR is this Galco Ankle
Glove holster.
I have the right handed model which means it fits on the inside of the left
leg. I am completely satisfied with the comfort factor. The longest I've worn
it has been about 8 hours and it worked just as expected. With loose
fitting pants, it is out of site, out of mind concealed. Quickly deploying
the LCR from the ankle will require some additional practice.